Office of Accessibility
Student Handbook
Welcome
Office of Accessibility
Simmons Hall 105
Akron, Ohio 44325-6213
(330) 972-7928
TTY (330) 972-5764
Law Students
The Office of Accessibility (OA) would like to welcome you to our office and to The University of Akron!
Our goal is to provide students with disabilities equal access opportunities and programs geared for
academic success. Please use this handbook as a guide for accessing accommodations and services
through the Office of Accessibility. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns
regarding accessing accommodations.
Office Hours
Fall/Spring Semesters
Summer Semester
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Our Staff is Here to Help You
The staff in the Office of Accessibility strives to provide students with full access to, and the opportunity
for, full participation in the academic environment at The University of Akron. Your Disability Specialist
will be your “go-to” person on campus whether you have questions, need an advocate, or require assistance
coordinating accommodations and services. We are here to assist you!
Kathleen (Kelly) Kulick, M.Ed., CRC
Director
[email protected]
Jessica DeFago, MA
Associate Director
[email protected]
Ashley Poulos, M.Ed., PC
Disability Specialist & Service Coordinator
[email protected]
Melissa Simmons, M.Ed.
Disability Specialist & Service Coordinator
[email protected]
Victoria Colella, M.Ed.
Disability Specialist & Service Coordinator
[email protected]
Leigh Sveda
Adaptive Technology & Service Coordinator
[email protected]
Maddie Schulz
Graduate Assistant
[email protected]
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Office of Accessibility Student Handbook
Table of Contents
General Information
Our Mission ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Relevant Federal Laws ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Maintenance and Disclosure of Records of Disability ........................................................................................... 3
Accessing Accommodations
How to Register with the Office of Accessibility ..................................................................................................... 4
What are Accommodations? .......................................................................................................................................... 4
How to Request Accommodations ................................................................................................................................ 5
Testing Procedures ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Accommodations for the Bar Exam .............................................................................................................................. 8
Supports for Temporary Medical Conditions ........................................................................................................... 8
Externship, Clinical Experience, Internship, and Co-op Accommodations ................................................... 8
Roles and Responsibilities in the Accommodation Process ............................................................................... 9
Additional Services from the Office of Accessibility
Academic Support Sessions ...........................................................................................................................................10
Campus Walk-Throughs .................................................................................................................................................10
Equipment ............................................................................................................................................................................10
For Your Success Emails and Office of Accessibility Newsletters ..................................................................10
Quiet Study Areas ..............................................................................................................................................................11
Reader/Writer Hours ......................................................................................................................................................11
Additional Services from The University of Akron
Additional Tutoring Supports.......................................................................................................................................12
Counseling Center .............................................................................................................................................................12
Recreation and Wellness Center .................................................................................................................................12
Residence Life and Housing Accommodations ......................................................................................................12
Dispute Resolution Procedures
Dispute Resolution Procedures for Eligibility for Services ...............................................................................13
Dispute Resolution Procedures for Determination of Reasonable Accommodations ............................13
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General Office Information
Our Mission
The mission of the Office of Accessibility at The University of Akron is to provide students with full
access to and the opportunity for full participation in the academic environment. We are advocates of
social justice for students with disabilities and work to end oppression by examining the social, cultural,
and institutional barriers to inclusion of all students. We embrace the diversity of our student body and
celebrate a culturally sensitive and accessible campus through outreach, partnership, and advocacy
with all university departments.
Relevant Federal Laws
In addition to the mission of the Office of Accessibility, the following two directives from federal laws
guide the efforts at this office and The University of Akron to provide an accessible experience in higher
education. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in federally
funded programs and activities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a civil rights law
that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, state and
local government, public accommodations and services, transportation, and telecommunications.
College students with disabilities are covered in Title II of the ADA. Students often experience a
transition from the provisions of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that guided their
services in high school and the federal guidelines of the Rehab Act of 1973 and ADA that are relevant in
higher education.
Pursuant to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, The University of Akron does not discriminate against any student,
because of a disability and does not exclude any qualified student with a disability from participation in
or from receiving the benefits of the services, program, or activities of the University.
Maintenance and Disclosure of Records of Disability
Policy for Maintenance and Disclosure of Student Records Related to Disability
The Office of Accessibility maintains records of a student’s disability according to the guidelines of the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These records are maintained in the Office of
Accessibility, separately from the student’s academic records, which are maintained elsewhere in the
institution (Registrar and/or appropriate academic unit). Records received by the Office of
Accessibility that appear to contain information unrelated to the determination and provision of
academic accommodations, auxiliary aids and services will be returned to the provider. Information
retained by the Office of Accessibility will be only that which is determined to be related to the
disability and provision of academic accommodations.
Procedure to Request Release or Review of Student Records Related to Disability
The student should request the release or review of the specific information by filling out the Office of
Accessibility “Request for Release or Review of Information” form. The student may need to schedule
an appointment to meet with the appropriate Disability Specialist to release or review the requested
information.
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Accessing Accommodations
How to Register with the Office of Accessibility … Easy as 1, 2, 3!!
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Get Started at The University of Akron
• Applying for admission to The University of Akron and applying for services with the Office of
Accessibility are two different processes.
• Students need to apply, be accepted, and enroll in classes before attending an intake
appointment.
• Students can register with the Office of Accessibility at any point while enrolled at The
University of Akron.
Submit New Student Application and documentation
• The Office of Accessibility recommends submitting the New Student Application and
documentation 3 months prior to enrollment.
• Complete the New Student Application to register with the Office of Accessibility. The new
student application is a brief online questionnaire designed for students to describe the
impacts of a disability. STARS is the online system that allows students to quickly and easily
request and notify faculty of approved accommodations.
• After completing the new student application, students should upload current, disabilityrelated documentation of a disability(ies) completed by a qualified professional. The Office of
Accessibility has specific guidelines available or in Simmons Hall 105. The Office of
Accessibility will not accept disability-related documentation from treatment professionals
who are related, in any way, to the student requesting services.
Schedule an intake appointment
• Once a new student application has been reviewed, including complete documentation, an
Office of Accessibility staff member will follow-up to schedule an intake appointment. If any
information in the application is incomplete, a staff member will contact the student to address
what is needed.
• During the intake appointment, you will discuss:
1. Eligible services based upon documentation and disability-related needs.
2. Training on our online accommodation request system (STARS).
3. Any other questions/concerns about The University of Akron, our office, and
preparation for attending college.
• You are welcome to bring a support person (parent/guardian, spouse, case manager) to the
intake.
• The appointment will last approximately 1 ½ hours .
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What are Accommodations?
An accommodation is a support that is put in place for a course, program, service, job, activity, or facility
that is designed to eliminate or minimize disability-related barriers. There are many ways to
accommodate a situation or activity. Accommodations vary based on individual circumstances and
disability-related documentation.
In order for an accommodation to be considered, it must not:
• Compromise the essential requirements of a course, program, job, activity, or facility.
• Cause an undue administrative or financial hardship.
• Compromise safety to you or others.
• Fundamentally alter a course or program.
How to Request Accommodations
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Schedule your classes
• It is important to organize your schedule in a way that works best for you! Consider the
following before meeting with your advisor:
 Check MyAkron for your registration dates so that you can schedule your classes as soon as
they are open to you.
 Should you schedule breaks between classes? This is especially helpful if extended time on
testing is one of your accommodations.
 When do you function your best? You may want to schedule classes at a certain time of day
due to medication or other reasons.
 Should you limit the number of “heavy” reading, math-related, or writing-intensive courses
that you take at the same time? Try to balance your schedule so that it works best for you.
 How important is the specific location of each of your classes?
 Is it best for you to take a full or part-time course load?
Be Aware of Deadlines for Accommodation Requests
• Some accommodations have deadlines in order to have sufficient time to coordinate services.
Deadlines are located at www.uakron.edu/access.
• Please request accommodations as soon as possible to avoid deadlines.
• If a deadline is missed, services will NOT be denied. However, they may take significantly
longer to implement.
Request Accommodations through STARS
• Students must request accommodations if they intend to use the accommodations in class.
• Log in to the Student Testing and Accommodation Request System (STARS) website
https://andes.accessiblelearning.com/Akron
• Select the courses that you would like accommodations for and click “Step 2- Continue to
Customize Your Accommodations.”
• Mark the specific accommodations that you need for each class.
• Check the box if you would like your accommodation letters to be emailed to your professors.
If you do not check the box, the letters will not be emailed to your professors.
• IMPORTANT- If you change your schedule, it is your responsibility to update your
accommodation request in STARS. We are unable to process requests for added classes or
schedule changes unless the accommodation request is updated.
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Forget how to request your accommodations through STARS? We can help you!
 Watch the “How to Request Accommodation Letters” tutorial at
www.uakron.edu/access.
 Come to the OA during office hours and a staff member will assist you.
 Schedule a meeting with your Disability Specialist for assistance.
Accommodation Letters are Emailed to Law School Administrators
• Accommodation letters are the formal description of the services and accommodations
students will receive through the Office of Accessibility.
• One week before the start of the semester, letters are emailed to Brian Fuller and Misty
Franklin who will work with the student to coordinate accommodations through the School of
Law. Instructors do not receive the accommodation letter at this time.
• Letters can be emailed to professors at any time, upon the student’s request.
* Sample Accommodation Letter
Schedule an Appointment with Law School Administrators to Coordinate Services
• After registering with the Office of Accessibility, each student is required to meet with Law
School administrators to review how accommodations will be implemented by the School of
Law. Maintaining good communication with instructors, the School of Law, and the Office of
Accessibility is key to making this a smooth process.
Brian Fuller, Assistant Dean of Students
Misty Franklin, Assistant Director of Student Affairs
330-972-2682
(330) 972-6456
[email protected]
[email protected]
*Ask your Disability Specialist if you would like assistance communicating with the Law School.
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Contact your Disability Specialist if You Have Questions
• Call (330) 972-7928.
• Email directly.
• Stop into the Office of Accessibility during office hours.
IMPORTANT: Accommodations are NOT retroactive. This means that services and
accommodations apply only from the point at which the student requests the accommodations
and communicates the desire to use each of their approved accommodations.
Testing Procedures
All testing accommodations for Law students are coordinated, scheduled, and proctored by the
School of Law. The following Law School administrator will work with you to coordinate testing
services:
Misty Franklin, Assistant Director of Student Affairs
(330) 972-6456
[email protected]
Examples of Testing Accommodations
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Extended time- The specific amount of extended time depends on the impact of the disability
and is determined by the student’s Disability Specialist.
Distraction reduced space- Small, quiet rooms are available for testing; we are unable to
guarantee isolated space.
Test proctors (reader and/or scribe)- Readers may read and repeat test questions verbatim
for student; Scribes write down answers to test questions verbatim as dictated by student.
Use of technology on tests- Includes computers, CCTV, adaptive software, etc. depending on
students’ disability-related needs. Students are not able to use their own personal devices when
testing.
Guidelines for Utilizing Testing Accommodations
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Students should request exam accommodations utilizing the The University of Akron, School of
Law, Special Exam Accommodations form, located at:
http://uakron.edu/law/docs/Special%20Accommodation%20FORM.pdf.
Students should request exam accommodations by the deadline indicated by the School of Law.
The School of Law will make a good faith effort to fulfill requests submitted after this deadline,
but it cannot be guaranteed.
Students who request exam accommodations will receive an email outlining the details of each
exam, including date, time, and exam location. Students should be aware that they may be
assigned to a testing room with other students receiving testing arrangements, including those
who may be enrolled in the same course section.
If a change of testing date or time is needed due to the student’s disability, the student must
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consult with his/her Disability Specialist and the School of Law to determine if the request is
reasonable.
Students are expected to begin their exams on the date and time indicated by the School of Law,
which may differ from the start time indicated for non-accommodated exams. All tests in one
room will begin at the same time; however, students will be free to leave once they have
completed their exam. For evening and weekend exams, if extra time is included in a student’s
accommodations, the accommodated student will generally be asked to begin the exam before
the scheduled start time.
Students who require distraction-reduced space will be given a place to complete their exams
that is distraction-reduced; isolated space cannot be guaranteed.
Please note: Some students may need to test in the Office of Accessibility. The Office of
Accessibility is committed to maintaining the highest academic standards possible in the office
testing environment. In order to meet this goal, we utilize a closed-circuit video system to
monitor tests. If a student utilizes any unauthorized resources during a test, the Office of
Accessibility will report the situation to the course instructor and Student Judicial Affairs.
Accommodations for the Bar Examination
Each state controls its own accommodation for the bar exam. Law students with disabilities who believe they
will require accommodations in taking the bar examination should inquire early in their legal education as to
what will be necessary to obtain accommodations. Students should contact each state in which they intend to
take the bar exam to learn that state’s process and to access necessary forms. Only the state administering the
bar exam knows its own requirements and process; the School of Law does not have this information provided
by each state.
Many state boards of bar examiners will request that the Law School provide information on accommodations
provided during law school upon a written release from the student. However, please note that receiving
accommodations in Law School does not guarantee accommodations on the bar examination.
Students who will be requesting academic accommodations for the bar exam should contact Brian Fuller or
Mary Cooke at the School of Law, who can assist with seeking information from various state bar authorities.
Supports for Temporary Medical Conditions
Temporary medical conditions, including injured limbs, surgeries, pregnancy, and short-term illnesses, may
require temporary, short-term accommodations. While the University is not obligated to provide
accommodations for students with temporary medical conditions, the Office of Accessibility attempts to
accommodate students who may need temporary support accessing the physical campus and the educational
curriculum. Please contact us if you have questions about a temporary medical condition.
Externship, Clinical Experiences, Internship, and Co-op Accommodations
Internship and/or co-op experiences are often very different than a typical classroom format and frequently
involve hands-on experiences. As a result, the type of academic accommodations that would be reasonable for
these experiences will often be different than those that have been used in the classroom setting.
Guidelines for Students
• Meet with Associate Dean of Career Services and Strategic Initiatives Alisa Benedict O’Brien
([email protected]) to understand what is needed to perform the functional requirements of the
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internship/Co-op experience (i.e. physical strength, visual acuity, attendance, etc.).
After understanding what is needed to perform these requirements, meet with a Disability Specialist at
least one month prior to the scheduled start date of the internship/co-op experience.
A Disability Specialist will consult with the student, the department, and the on-site supervisor as needed
to determine and implement any modifications to the student’s current accommodations.
Accommodations are NOT retroactive.
Please Note: The priority of School of Law exams supersedes all out-of-classroom experiences.
Roles and Responsibilities in the Accommodation Process
Office of Accessibility Responsibilities
• Review and explain what documentation is needed to determine eligibility for services
• Determine your eligibility for individualized accommodations based on documentation
• Discuss with you how your disability may impact you at The University of Akron
• Maintain student files in a confidential manner
• Send letters to faculty members that detail your accommodations, per your request in STARS
• Make a reasonable, good faith effort to provide accommodations, aids, and services for eligible
students in a timely manner
Student Responsibilities
• Register with the Office of Accessibility by providing necessary documentation
• Meet with your Disability Specialist to discuss your unique needs
• Submit accommodation requests through STARS each semester
• Speak to your professors about your accommodations and maintain necessary communication
with instructors and the Office of Accessibility to coordinate services throughout the semester
• Be aware of out-of-classroom/hands-on learning experiences in your program and communicate with your
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Disability Specialist and professors to determine appropriate accommodations for those experiences
Notify your Disability Specialist if additional accommodations should be considered
Contact your Disability Specialist and/or professors if you have any questions/concerns
Faculty Responsibilities
• Understand accommodations recommended by the Office of Accessibility
• Collaborate with the student and/or the Office of Accessibility to coordinate accommodations
• Contact the Office of Accessibility if there are questions/concerns regarding accommodations
• Know the essential elements of a course or program
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Additional Services from the Office of Accessibility
Academic Support Sessions
Our Disability Specialists are available to meet with you for Academic Support Sessions throughout
each semester. We are here to help if you would like assistance with time management, organization,
connecting to campus resources, accessing your accommodations, and communicating with your
professors. Some students benefit from regular check-ins, while other students make appointments on
an as-needed basis. Please do not hesitate to contact your Disability Specialist by phone or email at any
time.
Campus Walk-Throughs
The Office of Accessibility staff is available to walk with you through campus to find your classrooms,
determine accessible routes, and assess classroom furniture prior to the beginning of each semester.
Campus walk-throughs are intended to help you feel prepared and confident at the onset of each
semester.
Equipment
The Office of Accessibility has equipment that can be loaned from our office, including (but not limited
to): Tape recorders, Assisted Listening Devices, Digital Recorders, and AlphaSmarts. Students may be
asked to complete a Tape Recorder Agreement form when checking out a tape recorder. Your Disability
Specialist may make recommendations for you to utilize a specific piece of equipment and will
determine your eligibility.
For Your Success Emails and Office of Accessibility Newsletters
The Office of Accessibility periodically sends emails and newsletters to students registered with our
office. These correspondences will be sent to your University of Akron email account, as email is the
preferred method of communication at The University of Akron. We will inform you of deadlines,
important dates, and helpful tips For Your Success!
Quiet Study Areas
The Office of Accessibility has multiple quiet rooms that are available for student registered with our
office to utilize during office hours. These rooms provide a quiet, distraction-reduced environment for
students to study. Quiet study rooms may not be available during high volume testing times, including
the weeks of midterms and finals. Please call (330) 972-7928 to make a reservation or stop in the Office
of Accessibility to check the availability of a room.
Reader/Writer Hours
Reader and Writer hours are available by appointment. These hours may be limited based on
availability and point in semester. Contact your Disability Specialist if you are interested in utilizing
these services. A reader reads the directions, questions, and answer choices to a student. A reader does
not interpret, re-word, or explain the assignment. A writer writes down, or otherwise records, student
responses. The writer does not create answers for the student or help the student identify answers.
Supports for Temporary Medical Conditions
Temporary medical conditions, including injured limbs, surgeries, pregnancy, and short-term illnesses,
may require temporary, short-term accommodations. While the University is not obligated to provide
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accommodations for students with temporary medical conditions, the Office of Accessibility attempts to
accommodate students that may need temporary support accessing the physical campus and the
educational curriculum. Please contact us if you have questions about a temporary medical condition.
Additional Services at The University of Akron
Additional Tutoring Supports
Although the Office of Accessibility does not directly provide tutoring for students, law students should
contact the School of Law’s Office of Academic Success Programs for additional support.
Counseling Center/ Counseling Center- Testing Services
The OA frequently collaborates with the Counseling Center to provide wrap-around supports for
students. The Counseling Center offers comprehensive psychological services to currently enrolled
students for free. A culturally diverse staff of licensed psychologists and doctoral trainees provide
psychological counseling for psychotherapy, career counseling, testing services, outreach and
consultation to the university community.
The Counseling Center- Testing Services provides Learning Disorder/ADHD Assessments for students
at a low price. Please speak to your Disability Specialist or call the Counseling Center at (330) 972-7082
to make an appointment if you are interested in services.
Recreation and Wellness Center
The University of Akron’s Recreation and Wellness Center provides equipment that is accessible to
students. Please visit the Recreation and Wellness Center or call (330) 972-2348 for more information.
Residence Life and Housing Accommodations
Residence Life and Housing is committed to providing accessible on-campus living arrangements for
students with disabilities. Documentation for requests for accommodations related to residence life
should be submitted directly to the Office of Accessibility, preferably at the time the Housing Contract is
submitted to University Residence Life and Housing. The Office of Accessibility will determine specific
accommodations after consultation with Residence Life and Housing. Please contact the Office of
Accessibility for more information about this process.
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Dispute Resolution Procedures
Dispute Resolution Procedures for Eligibility for Services
If a student wants to appeal a decision regarding eligibility for services based on the Disability Specialist’s
review of the documentation, the following procedure has been established.
1. Request an appointment to meet with the Disability Specialist who reviewed the documentation
and made the original determination. If the concern cannot be resolved during this appointment,
initiate Step 2.
2. Request an appointment to meet with the immediate supervisor of the Disability Specialist who
reviewed the documentation originally. If after this meeting, the situation is not rectified to the
student’s satisfaction, initiate Step 3.
3. Request an appointment with the Associate Vice President for Student Success or her/his
designee. The Associate Vice President for Student Success (or designee) may consult other
relevant professionals as needed to make the decision. After this meeting if the situation is not
rectified to the student’s satisfaction, initiate Step 4.
4. Request an appointment to meet with the Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.
Dispute Resolution Procedures for Determination of Reasonable Accommodations
If a student wants to appeal a decision regarding the determination of reasonable accommodations for
his/her documented disability, the following procedure has been established.
1. Request an appointment to meet with the Disability Specialist who reviewed the documentation
and made the original determination. If the concern cannot be resolved during this
appointment, initiate Step 2.
2. Request an appointment to meet with the immediate supervisor of the Disability Specialist. If,
after this meeting the situation is not rectified to the student’s satisfaction, initiate Step 3.
3. Request a review by the Accommodations Review Committee of the accommodations
determined by the Disability Specialist and the accommodations requested by the student. The
Committee consists of the following people:
• Disability Specialist who recommended the original accommodation(s)
• Director of Office of Accessibility
• Associate Vice President for Student Success or his/her designee
• Academic Department/School representative and/or appropriate faculty member(s)
• Associate Dean of the appropriate academic unit (college) or designee
If after this meeting, the situation is not rectified to the student’s satisfaction, initiate Step 4.
4. Request an appointment to meet with the Provost. The decision of the Provost is final.
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